Hangover cures are a dime a dozen. While an ultimate cure might exist out there, the time-tested recovery method of food and more drink is our favorite way to cure a hangover.
We’ve broken it down into Soup, Bloody Marys, and Poutine & Poutine-Like. And, as we’re sure you’ll point out, we didn’t mention everything. That would take a lot of eating. And drinking. But, just to be clear, there are plenty of other rich foods that we didn’t mention that would fit well on this list. Other categories, too. Consider this a starting point.
So, try these local remedies to put some love in your tummy and make you forget the countless irresponsible decisions you made last night. Well, most of them.
This hearty Mexican classic is loaded with gelatin from tripe and tendons. Nubs of hominy provide something more toothsome while fresh onion, cilantro, and lime help brighten it up. Soft bread or tortillas will sop up whatever stock you haven’t sipped. Available on Saturday and Sunday only.
While menudo is a popular spicy local choice for hangovers, it can be difficult to convince some people to eat tripe. Yuk Gae Jang is a friendlier option for offal-dodgers since it has shreds of beef instead. Bracken fern is an exotic but not intimidating option. The Korean pepper heat is pleasantly constant and not overwhelming. As an added bonus, it has no eighties boy band named after it.
Spice isn’t the choice for everyone, hungover or not. It’s hard to argue against noodle soups, however. Pho is a popular breakfast in Vietnam after a night of rice whiskey. Rice noodles and beef broth do a mighty fine job getting you on your feet. You can keep it simple with thin slices of beef (number 21) or go crazy with fatty slices, meatballs and tripe too (number 24). You can also add fresh bean sprouts, lime, cilantro, and jalapeño to taste.
Maybe you need vodka instead of beer to cure your cocktail. No judging. Hotel Congress has a Bloody Mary bar every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm where you can add goodies such as goat cheese, avocado, capers and artichokes. You can also get variations made with tequila or gin. Enjoy the patio while it’s still cool in the afternoon.
This local favorite keeps it simple with the addition of parmesan cheese or a little extra citrus, depending on which bartender you order from.
Roasted garlic-infused vodka and adobo carry this Bloody Mary up the umami meter. The savory garnishes and local beer back make this a difficult morning mix to refuse.
The Quebec signature poutine has a devilishly ducky makeover across the street at Maynards Kitchen. Duck gravy, confit and cracklins take this comfort classic to another classy level. You can amplify the duck levels with foie gras, if you dare.
Another elegant version of poutine is available at Agustin Kitchen. Tasso lardons and a couple of eggs on top provide different types of richness. Foie gras is also extra if you’re feeling fancy.
If you’re lucky, Montreal native Dianne Brewer will appear with her food truck in a parking lot near you. You can get your poutine simple — crispy fries topped with brown gravy and cheese curds. You can also spice it up with jalapeño cheese curds. Lastly, you can top it all off with bacon or pulled pork.
While you’re getting Eegee’s signature frozen fruit drink, you might as well cave in for their crinkle cut fries with cheese and their unique chili. It’s also the cheapest option on this list.
What’s your edible hangover cure? Let us know in the comments below.
Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon...
